Southern Cross University’s NatMed-Research Unit is looking for volunteers to participate in a research study to determine the right dose of a marine oil supplement on osteoarthritis of the knee.

The study is being conducted by Professor Stephen Myers and follows on from a preliminary clinical trial carried out last year which looked at the effect of the marine oil in both men and women.

“In the preliminary trial, we demonstrated the standardised marine oil extract derived from New Zealand green-lipped mussels can substantively reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis, which confirms other preliminary clinical work carried out by overseas research groups,” Professor Myers said.

“This follow-up study has been designed to test the most effective dosage in both men and women suffering osteoarthritis. All participants will be taking the marine oil extract.”

The researchers are looking for 30 participants with osteoarthritis of the knee from the Northern Rivers region to participate in the trial:

15 men, aged 45-80 years, with osteoarthritis unrelated to a sporting injury

15 postmenopausal women, aged 50-75 years

Participants will attend clinical meetings at the University’s Lismore campus.

The Australian Institute for Health and Welfare estimates that 8% of Australians have osteoarthritis and that two out of three sufferers are female.

Professor Myers said arthritis was the most frequent cause of disability among adults in the developed world and as the population continued to age the prevalence of the condition would significantly increase.

“Current standard clinical practice is to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), but these have a high side effect profile. The goal of our research into osteoarthritis is to find a treatment that provides a safer, but equally effective, alternative treatment.”

The research is funded by Pharmalink International Pty Ltd and is being conducted independently by Southern Cross University. The study has been approved by the Southern Cross University Human Research Ethics Committee (ECN-17-014).

If you experience moderate levels of pain due to osteoarthritis of the knee and would like to know more about the study please contact the study coordinator Shelley Robinson at osteoarthritis@scu.edu.au or phone 0419 098 018.